Museum to host game night fundraiser

Paul Myers of Poker Productions in New Orleans sets up chips Thursday at a roulette table for Saturday's Play It Forward Casino and Auction Night held at the Bayou Country Children's Museum.

Chris Heller/Staff

Kris JohnsonStaff Writer

Published: Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 9:01 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, March 22, 2013 at 9:34 a.m.

You're greeted by the rumble of a 16-piece jazz ensemble seated next to a beautiful flowing fountain in the courtyard.

A server passes by, handing you a glass of champagne before you make your way through the entrance.

The space, meant for children's museum exhibits, has been transformed, and the “Ocean's 11”/“Casablanca” feel sets your temperament. You're ready for some gaming.

The Bayou Country Children's Museum is one step closer to opening its doors to the public.

But before it opens late this summer, there's one more night of fun scheduled — and this one's for adults only.

In its fourth year, the museum's largest fundraiser, Play It Forward, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Bayou Country Children's Museum's newly completed building, 211 Rue Betancourt, Thibodaux.

The night boasts professional gaming tables with professional dealers for blackjack, craps, poker and roulette.

Mayor Tommy Eschete and Thibodaux state Rep. Dee Richard, no party affiliation, are sponsors, along with Eschete's wife, Sheri, and Andie Bollinger Giardina.

Museum Director Christy Naquin said this is the first and only year Play It Forward will be held in the museum building.

“We don't have exhibits in yet. Those are coming in May, so now we have a little time to show it off and use it as a venue,” she said. “That's why we're hosting it here rather than at a banquet hall.”

Naquin said last year's event brought in about $80,000.

Tickets are $65 per person. The price covers admission, food, beverages and gaming chips. Attendees can mingle with friends and participate in silent and live auctions.

Mimi Folse, Play it Forward chairwoman, said live auction items include an offshore-fishing trip, a New Orleans Saints commemorative bat signed by Drew Brees, a gourmet dinner for eight, a handmade copper fountain and a framed Blue Dog picture.

“Unique this year is our purse auction, where we'll have five designer purses up for auction,” Folse said. “We'll put diamond earrings inside one of them. But as people are bidding, they won't know which one has them.”

This will be the final Play It Forward before the 14-year venture is complete.

The museum will include about 40 exhibits showcasing the culture, history and environments of south Louisiana.

Planned exhibits include a two-story oil rig to detail how oil production works, a flowing bayou to illustrate pirogues and alligators, and a cane field to explain how sugar production takes place.

The museum is aimed at children ages 2 through 12. Its exhibits have been fine-tuned to match school learning objectives — organizers hope the museum will be a way to actively educate students and bolster what they learn in the classroom.

Folse said the project has taken “a lot of people with a lot of passion.”

“We're all really excited everything has come together this year so we can open our doors to the public.”

Naquin, who came on board about four years ago, said the Bayou Country Children's Museum “has been a dream of many, many people. So everyone is very excited to see it through.”

“Children's museums typically take about 10 to 12 years from idea to fruition. So we're not far off that path. We've had several hurricanes in our way — Katrina and then Gustav and Ike. The list of natural things that have prolonged it can go on and on. What's important is that the community never gave up. The board of directors and the volunteers never gave up. Everyone believed in it,” Naquin said. “It's such a blessing, and we can't wait to hear the giggles and happy feet in the gallery area. But at least for one night, it's dedicated to adults only.”

Staff Writer Kris Johnson can be reached at 857-2207 or kris.johnson@houmatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @krisLjo.

<p>You're greeted by the rumble of a 16-piece jazz ensemble seated next to a beautiful flowing fountain in the courtyard.</p><p>A server passes by, handing you a glass of champagne before you make your way through the entrance.</p><p>The space, meant for children's museum exhibits, has been transformed, and the “Ocean's 11”/“Casablanca” feel sets your temperament. You're ready for some gaming. </p><p>The Bayou Country Children's Museum is one step closer to opening its doors to the public. </p><p>But before it opens late this summer, there's one more night of fun scheduled — and this one's for adults only. </p><p>In its fourth year, the museum's largest fundraiser, Play It Forward, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Bayou Country Children's Museum's newly completed building, 211 Rue Betancourt, Thibodaux. </p><p>The night boasts professional gaming tables with professional dealers for blackjack, craps, poker and roulette. </p><p>Mayor Tommy Eschete and Thibodaux state Rep. Dee Richard, no party affiliation, are sponsors, along with Eschete's wife, Sheri, and Andie Bollinger Giardina. </p><p>Museum Director Christy Naquin said this is the first and only year Play It Forward will be held in the museum building. </p><p>“We don't have exhibits in yet. Those are coming in May, so now we have a little time to show it off and use it as a venue,” she said. “That's why we're hosting it here rather than at a banquet hall.” </p><p>Naquin said last year's event brought in about $80,000.</p><p>Tickets are $65 per person. The price covers admission, food, beverages and gaming chips. Attendees can mingle with friends and participate in silent and live auctions.</p><p>Mimi Folse, Play it Forward chairwoman, said live auction items include an offshore-fishing trip, a New Orleans Saints commemorative bat signed by Drew Brees, a gourmet dinner for eight, a handmade copper fountain and a framed Blue Dog picture. </p><p>“Unique this year is our purse auction, where we'll have five designer purses up for auction,” Folse said. “We'll put diamond earrings inside one of them. But as people are bidding, they won't know which one has them.” </p><p>This will be the final Play It Forward before the 14-year venture is complete. </p><p>The museum will include about 40 exhibits showcasing the culture, history and environments of south Louisiana.</p><p>Planned exhibits include a two-story oil rig to detail how oil production works, a flowing bayou to illustrate pirogues and alligators, and a cane field to explain how sugar production takes place.</p><p>The museum is aimed at children ages 2 through 12. Its exhibits have been fine-tuned to match school learning objectives — organizers hope the museum will be a way to actively educate students and bolster what they learn in the classroom.</p><p>Folse said the project has taken “a lot of people with a lot of passion.” </p><p>“We're all really excited everything has come together this year so we can open our doors to the public.” </p><p>Naquin, who came on board about four years ago, said the Bayou Country Children's Museum “has been a dream of many, many people. So everyone is very excited to see it through.” </p><p>“Children's museums typically take about 10 to 12 years from idea to fruition. So we're not far off that path. We've had several hurricanes in our way — Katrina and then Gustav and Ike. The list of natural things that have prolonged it can go on and on. What's important is that the community never gave up. The board of directors and the volunteers never gave up. Everyone believed in it,” Naquin said. “It's such a blessing, and we can't wait to hear the giggles and happy feet in the gallery area. But at least for one night, it's dedicated to adults only.” </p><p>Staff Writer Kris Johnson can be reached at 857-2207 or kris.johnson@houmatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @krisLjo.</p>